On being terminally ill.

Abstract

In summary, it would seem that the term terminally ill is used to convey an impression that has been formed by the carers, based on actuarial data for the particular disease from which the patient is suffering, their clinical experience dealing with others similarly affected, and a set of traditionally held beliefs. The consequences of describing someone as terminally ill are legion, affecting all aspects of care and involving the belief systems both rational and primitive of carers and patient alike. As long as we understand that it is an opinion, rather than a statement of fact, then the term terminally ill can serve an important function in communicating information in a readily understood form.